Holiday houses in Talbingo

The Snowy Mountains region, Australia’s highest range, is the gateway to epic alpine adventures ranging from skiing and snowboarding to hiking, fishing, and boating. Here you’ll discover Talbingo, a hamlet on the edge of Kosciuszko National Park formed as part of the Snowy Mountains Scheme, an immense hydro-electricity and irrigation project that began in the late 1940s. With Talbingo as your base, you’re within easy reach of Blowering and Talbingo dams, popular among boaters and fishers and water sports enthusiasts. You’re also just a short drive from the state’s three winter resorts. Skiers and snowboarders can’t get enough of this countryside, centered on Australia’s loftiest peak, Mount Kosciuszko (2,228 metres, or 7,310 feet). But when the snow melts, cyclists and hikers arrive to make the most of alpine settings that are both humbling and inspiring, and so vast you’ll find some parts are completely deserted.

When the mercury drops, the Snowy Mountains region of the state sees winter sports enthusiasts emerge to make the most of ski resorts — and all the trimmings that come with them. The season generally runs from June through September/October, with many resort towns in the region booked out well in advance. Come back in spring for hiking and cycling opportunities through fields of wildflowers, and in autumn to witness deciduous trees transform the landscape into fiery colours. Summer sees mild temperatures thanks to the elevation, which is ideal for days spent boating, fishing, horse riding, and swimming.

Ski and snowboard

Winter sports are huge here, and you have plenty of options close by. One ski resort offers more than 50 runs, including the longest ski and highest lifted point runs in Australia, plus gondola rides, snowshoeing, and terrain parks. Another has varied terrain across 1,245 hectares, with 47 lifts available to carry you up and around runs spanning seven mountain peaks. The third is Australia’s highest snow resort and has a number of great runs and back-country trails.

Talbingo Dam

One of 16 major dams that comprise the Snowy Mountains Scheme, this enormous dam is perennially popular among boaters and fishing enthusiasts; when the weather warms up, you can dive into the designated swimming area. For some perspective on just how immense the hydroelectric project is, head to the top of the dam for views over its many pipeways and waterways.

Yarrangobilly Caves

It’s a 30-minute drive southeast from Talbingo to Yarrangobilly, of which a 12-kilometre-long (seven-mile) section runs along the Yarrangobilly River Valley. A number of tourable caves beckon, each with magical limestone stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and cave coral formed 440 million years ago. Back outside, wander to the thermal pool, or enjoy a soak in the spring-fed natural pool.